The Fast of Daniel—Day Two

• 
  
• 
  

Tongues

When we talk about baptism with the Holy Spirit, the first thing that comes to the mind of a believer is speaking in tongues.

There’s no thirst for God, there’s no desire to change one’s life, let alone be the temple of the Spirit of God. There’s only a desire to speak in tongues.

This “holy” ambition has nothing to do with God. Rather, it is a mere manifestation of vanity fuelled by deceiving spirits. These spirits use emotions to deceive imprudent people, making them feel weird sensations that culminate in their speaking in tongues.

That’s why many people are following the “slain in the spirit” doctrine, walking on their hands and knees like a lion in the zoo.

This and other eccentricities have been happening simply because these people do not have the Spirit of Truth.

Under no circumstances should a person desire to be baptised with the Holy Spirit because he or she wants to speak in tongues. If they speak, just as the Bible says, fine; if they don’t speak, then what? The Spirit of God is not limited to the gift of speaking in tongues. The fact that a person does not speak in tongues should not be a reason for doubting, which will end up impeding the Holy Spirit to work.

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is not for a person to speak in tongues, but to enable God’s servants to do His will and to perform His Work.

Besides, how can we discern between good and evil in this corrupt and hypocritical world, filled with deception? How can we know whom to date and marry according to the will of God?

What career should we choose in order to be more useful in the Kingdom of God?

Which church is of God?

How to distinguish between a false and a true man of God if they both speak or preach His Word?

How to separate the weed from the wheat?

How to identify the voice of God and the voice of the devil?

These and other doubts are cleared up when we are under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Who better than the Holy Spirit to guide His children into all truth?

The Lord Jesus said, … when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. John 16.13

O my God and my Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, guard Your people from the spirits of the antichrist and of deception.
Amen.

The Fast of Daniel—Day One

• 
  
• 
  

And the heavens were opened…

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.Matthew 3:16

This is not for the curious or risk takers, nor is it for hypocrites, overly religious or worldly people.
The Spirit of God is for those who are empty, poor, and especially, for those who thirst for Divine direction. It is a stepping stone for those who seek something far beyond anything this world has to offer.

Jesus was sent on a special mission. However, He still had to pay a price. He sacrificed. He renounced His family, youth, love life and friendships to accomplish His mission. And if He needed the direction of the Holy Spirit to guide Him, imagine those who wish to do His will and His work!

Most importantly, His mind and heart were already inspired by the Holy Spirit, even before He received Him.
The same will happen with all of those who are completely immersed in the faith of the Fast of Daniel.

Do you think that the yearning you have to receive the Holy Spirit came out of nowhere? No! A thousand times, no!
This was planted inside of you by the power of the Spirit of God.
...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Therefore, just as the heavens were opened over Jesus, they will also be opened over you to receive the same Spirit of God.

After all, He is the promise of the Lord Jesus to His followers.

Most likely, you will not see a dove descending upon your head, or feel anything out of this world. You won’t probably even speak in tongues. It does not matter. None of that is relevant.

The important thing is: if you renounce this world completely (mental fast), and seek with sincerity, then there is faith. And if there is faith, the heavens are already open over your head.

Also:
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him... 2 Chronicles 16:9

Note: Find a secluded place right now.
Then, repeat this prayer:

My God and my Father, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I come into Your presence to seek and receive the promise that says it would come to pass that the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.
John the Baptist taught us that it is the Lord Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I call out to You, my Lord, my Savior and my God, baptize me RIGHT NOW WITH YOUR SPIRIT!

Amen

Celebrate the Holidays or Fast?

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

Many know that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened on the day of Pentecost, but most do not know what this day meant for the Jews.

Pentecost was a feast established by God, but the spirit of religion took over this date, putting aside the spirit of faith. If everyone who worshiped at this feast was pleasing God, they would have received the Holy Spirit too.

During that time, Jerusalem was full of foreigners, because many traveled to the city to be with their families and others came for the fun of the festivities. In addition, they celebrated by giving gifts to the widows and the poor (Read Deuteronomy 16:11-12).

However, the 120 disciples who were oblivious to all this, preferred to stay in the Upper Room. Although people might have considered this an offense, being that they were breaking a tradition, they did not care if they were criticized or persecuted by others. They decided to ignore the traditional customs and involve themselves in a more sublime purpose: dedicate themselves 100% to God.

None of those who participated in the festivities received the Holy Spirit. Everyone that was in the Upper Room, separated from the religious festival, was baptized with the Spirit of God.

Those who were at the festivities felt a momentary "joy" caused by material things: wine, music, profits from trade, tourists, etc… However, their joy ended with the feast. The same happens nowadays. However, the 120 were sealed by God the Son, and their lives were never the same again.

Anyone can receive something from a man, for example: inheritance, money, advice, affection, help, etc… But the Holy Spirit is something that only God can give us. He is proof that there was a connection with the Creator Himself; it is a sign that the person is on the right path with God.

How can you doubt Him, after receiving Something so wonderful that no man, feast, money or anything else can give you?

Therefore, those who dedicate themselves during the 21 days of the Fast of Daniel at the Cenacles of the Universal Church will receive the Spirit of God.
Meanwhile, the world will be celebrating the pagan feast of Christmas.

The King and his 4 Wives

• 
  
• 
  

There once was a king who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with beautiful gifts, jewelry and expensive clothes. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and enjoyed showing her off to neighboring kingdoms.
However, he was afraid that one day she would leave him for another king.

He also loved his 2nd wife.
She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king had a problem, he would confide in her and she would help him get through difficult times.

The 1st wife was a very loyal partner and did everything in her power to maintain his wealth and kingdom.
However, he did not love the 1st wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his end was near.
He thought about his luxurious life and wondered:

- Now I have 4 wives with me, but when I die, how many will go with me?

So he asked the 4th wife:
- I have loved you the most, my dear. I have endowed you with the finest clothing and jewelry. I have taken good care of you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?

- No way! - replied the 4th wife, as she left the room without looking back.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right through his heart.
The sad king then asked the 3rd wife:

- I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?
- No!!! - replied the 3rd wife. Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to get remarried.

His heart sank and turned cold from hearing such painful words.
He then asked the 2nd wife:

- I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?

- I’m sorry, but I can’t help you out this time - replied the 2nd wife. The most I can do is bury you!

Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning and once again, the king was devastated.

Then a voice called out:
- I’ll go with you. I will follow you wherever you go...
The king looked up and there was his 1st wife. She was very thin, malnourished, and suffering from neglect...

Greatly grieved, the King said:
- I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance...

In truth, we all have these 4 wives in our lives...

Our 4th wife is our body.
No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it healthy and beautiful, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends.
No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by our side is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul.
It is often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures to fulfill our Ego.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go, no matter where it is...

Therefore,
Cultivate...
Strengthen...
Bless...
Cherish your soul!

It is the greatest gift we can give those around us and ourselves.
Let it shine through the forgiveness that God gives us in the Lord Jesus!
May your relationship with your soul be righteous during the 21 day Fast.

5 Steps to a GOOD START

Each of the first five books in the Bible carries a secret. Each secret shows how to start well and how to avoid starting badly.
Over five Sundays during the first month of 2011, you will learn these secrets and be equipped to ensure a GOOD START to your New Year.

More details at your local UCKG.